Horizontal cable manager

ABSTRACT

A cable manager includes a trough, defining a footprint, and a door. At least one side of the trough is formed from a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardly from a support member. At least two of the projections include a hinge boss disposed at an outer end thereof and extending inwardly. At least one edge of the door has a hinge structure disposed therealong that includes an outer arm and an inner arm defining a hinge channel therebetween. The hinge bosses are disposed within the hinge channel such that the door is rotatably attached along at least one of its longitudinal edges to the trough. The door is rotatable to an open state without extending beyond the footprint of the trough.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/295,737, filed Jan. 17, 2010 and entitled“HORIZONTAL CABLE MANAGER,” which is expressly incorporated by referenceherein. Additionally, the following U.S. patent applications, and anypublication thereof, are expressly incorporated by reference herein:

-   -   (a) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/295,736,        filed Jan. 17, 2010 and entitled “VERTICAL CABLE MANAGER;” and    -   (b) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/007,723, filed Jan. 17,        2011 and entitled “VERTICAL CABLE MANAGER,” which published as        U.S. Patent Application Publication No. U.S. 2011/0180295 A1 on        Jul. 28,2001.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to cable management systems fortelecommunications cables, and, in particular, to horizontal cablemanagers having adjustable internal components for better cablemanagement.

2. Background

Racks, frames, cabinets and the like for supporting computer and otherelectronic equipment are very well known. Similarly, raceways forrouting cables and wires to and from that equipment are likewise wellknown. In particular, a number of raceways have been proposed forrouting cables, wires and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as“cables”) vertically through or adjacent to equipment racks, frames,cabinets and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as “mountingfixtures”). Such raceways may be used to route cables vertically toequipment mounted or otherwise supported on a mounting fixture fromother equipment on the mounting fixture, from an overhead or underfloorraceway, or the like. These cables are generally routed in the verticaldirection to a point adjacent to the desired equipment and then routedin the horizontal direction to the desired equipment.

An important characteristic of such raceways is the presence of aplurality of openings in the sides of the raceway through which cablesmay be routed, thereby facilitating more convenient access between theequipment and the interior of the raceway. For example, U.S. Pat. No.2,921,607 to Caveney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,949 to Weiss,commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282 to Krietzman et al., and U.S.Pat. No. 7,285,027 to McGrath et al. each disclose a covered wiring ductor wireway which includes side walls having a series of finger-likeprojections separated by openings. The cables may be routed through theopenings by bending them around the projections, thus allowing thecables to be routed with relative precision, and preventing cables fromhanging loosely across the face of the rack itself A gap at the distalends of each pair of adjacent projections permits cables to be insertedinto each respective opening. The gap is narrower than the opening, thusaiding in the retention of the cables within the opening.

The distal ends of all the projections may then be covered by a cover,thus providing further retention capability. The covers are typicallyhinged, oftentimes along each of two sides, so that they may beconveniently opened from either side. The hinge structure may besupported by the projections or may be supported separately. In eithercase, however, the hinges, if not the doors themselves, are arrangedsuch that when opened, they can create interference with other cablemanagers or other equipment or accessories immediately adjacent thereto.This either creates interference for the user or necessitates that eachcable manager must be spaced from other interfering cable managers,equipment or accessories.

Thus, a need exists for a hinge structure, for a horizontal cablemanager, whose operation does not interfere with adjacent cablemanagers, equipment, or accessories.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of cable management systems for telecommunications cables, thepresent invention is not limited to use only in cable management systemsfor telecommunications cables, as will become apparent from thefollowing summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, andone or more embodiments of the present invention.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect includesa cable manager having a trough, defining a footprint, and a door,rotatably attached along at least one of its longitudinal edges to thetrough. The door may be rotated to a fully open state without extendingbeyond the footprint of the trough.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a cable manager having a trough and a door. At least one sideof the trough is formed from a plurality of finger-like projectionsextending forwardly from a support member. At least two of theprojections include a hinge boss disposed at the outer end thereof andextending inwardly. At least one edge of the door has a hinge structuredisposed therealong. The hinge structure includes an outer arm and aninner arm defining a hinge channel therebetween. The outer hinge armincludes a semi-cylindrical inner surface, and the inner hinge armincludes a semi-cylindrical pivot.

In features of this aspect, the cable manager further includes anindexing stop on one of the hinge boss and the hinge structure to retainthe door in an open state.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a cable manager having a trough and a door. At least one sideof the trough is formed from a plurality of finger-like projectionsextending forwardly from a support member. At least two of theprojections include a hinge boss disposed at the outer end thereof andextending inwardly. Each hinge boss includes an outer semi-cylindricalbarrel and an inner semi-cylindrical surface. At least one edge of thedoor has a hinge structure disposed therealong. The hinge structureincludes an outer arm and an inner arm defining a hinge channeltherebetween. The outer hinge channel is adapted to receive and rotateabout the hinge boss.

In features of this aspect, the cable manager further includes anindexing stop on one of the hinge boss and the hinge structure to retainthe door in an open state.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a mounting fixture system having a rack and a cable manager,substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a cable manager, substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a side cable guide for a cable manager, substantially as shownand described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a finger-like projection for a cable guide in a cable manager,substantially as shown and described.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a cable manager having a trough, defining a footprint, and adoor. At least one side of the trough is formed from a plurality offinger-like projections extending forwardly from a support member. Atleast two of the projections include a hinge boss disposed at an outerend thereof and extending inwardly. At least one edge of the door has ahinge structure disposed therealong. The hinge structure includes anouter arm and an inner arm defining a hinge channel therebetween. Thehinge bosses are disposed within the hinge channel such that the door isrotatably attached along at least one of its longitudinal edges to thetrough. The door is rotatable to an open state without extending beyondthe footprint of the trough.

In features of this aspect, the finger-like projections may have aU-shaped cross section; at least one of the finger-like projections mayinclude at least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall; the finger-likeprojections may include T-shaped projections; adjacent finger-likeprojections, in conjunction with at least a portion of the supportmember, may define a cable ring; the cable ring may include a gap topermit cables to be inserted into the cable ring; adjacent finger-likeprojections may be spaced apart by approximately 1 RMU; the finger-likeprojections may be integral with the support member; the hinge bossesmay be integral with their corresponding finger-like projections; andthe cable manager may further include an indexing stop on one of thehinge boss and the hinge structure for retaining the door in an openstate.

In another feature of this aspect, the inner arm of the hinge structuremay include a semi-cylindrical pivot, and each hinge boss may include aninner semi-cylindrical surface; and the semi-cylindrical pivot may begenerally concentrically received against the inner semi-cylindricalsurface of the hinge bosses. In another feature of this aspect, theouter arm of the hinge structure may include an inner semi-cylindricalsurface, and each hinge boss may further include an outersemi-cylindrical barrel; and the outer semi-cylindrical barrel of thehinge bosses may be generally concentrically received against the innersemi-cylindrical surface of the outer arm. In another feature of thisaspect, the door may be retainable in an open state when an indexingstop on the hinge structure reaches and snaps into an indexing groove onthe hinge bosses.

In still other features of this aspect, both sides of the trough may beformed from a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardlyfrom a support member; and the sides may define a trough height betweenapproximately 1 RMU and approximately 3 RMU.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a cable manager having a trough and a door. At least one sideof the trough is formed from a plurality of finger-like projectionsextending forwardly from a support member. At least two of theprojections include a hinge boss disposed at an outer end thereof andextending inwardly. At least one edge of the door has a hinge structuredisposed therealong for receiving and rotating about the hinge bosses.The hinge structure includes an outer arm and an inner arm defining ahinge channel therebetween. The outer arm includes an innersemi-cylindrical surface, and the inner arm includes a semi-cylindricalpivot.

In features of this aspect, the finger-like projections may have aU-shaped cross section; at least one of the finger-like projections mayinclude at least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall; the finger-likeprojections may be integral with the support member; the hinge bossesmay be integral with their corresponding finger-like projections; andthe cable manager may further include an indexing stop on one of thehinge boss and the hinge structure for retaining the door in an openstate.

In another feature of this aspect, each hinge boss may include an innersemi-cylindrical surface and an outer semi-cylindrical barrel. Inanother feature of this aspect, the semi-cylindrical pivot may beadapted to be generally concentrically received against the innersemi-cylindrical surface of the hinge bosses; and the outersemi-cylindrical barrel of the hinge bosses may be adapted to begenerally concentrically received against the inner semi-cylindricalsurface of the outer arm. In still another feature of this aspect thedoor may be retainable in an open state when an indexing stop on thehinge structure reaches and snaps into an indexing groove on the hingebosses.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a cable manager having a trough and a door. At least one sideof the trough is formed from a plurality of finger-like projectionsextending forwardly from a support member. At least two of theprojections include a hinge boss disposed at an outer end thereof andextending inwardly. Each hinge boss includes an outer semi-cylindricalbarrel and an inner semi-cylindrical surface. At least one edge of thedoor has a hinge structure disposed therealong. The hinge structureincludes an outer arm and an inner arm defining a hinge channeltherebetween. The hinge channel is adapted to receive and rotate aboutthe hinge bosses.

In features of this aspect, the finger-like projections may have aU-shaped cross section; at least one of the finger-like projections mayinclude at least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall; the finger-likeprojections may be integral with the support member; the hinge bossesmay be integral with their corresponding finger-like projections; andthe cable manager may further include an indexing stop on one of thehinge boss and the hinge structure for retaining the door in an openstate.

In another feature of this aspect, the outer arm may include an innersemi-cylindrical surface, and the inner arm may include asemi-cylindrical pivot. In another feature of this aspect, thesemi-cylindrical pivot may be adapted to be generally concentricallyreceived against the inner semi-cylindrical surface of the hinge bosses;and the outer semi-cylindrical barrel of the hinge bosses may be adaptedto be generally concentrically received against the innersemi-cylindrical surface of the outer arm. In still another feature ofthis aspect, the door may be retainable in an open state when anindexing stop on the hinge structure reaches and snaps into an indexinggroove on the hinge bosses.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a cable manager having a trough, defining a footprint, and adoor. The door is rotatably attached along at least one of itslongitudinal edges to the trough. The door is rotatable to a fully openstate without extending beyond the footprint of the trough.

In features of this aspect, at least one side of the trough may beformed from a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardlyfrom a support member; the finger-like projections may have a U-shapedcross section; at least one of the finger-like projections may includeat least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall; at least one edge ofthe door may have a hinge structure disposed therealong for rotatableattachment to the trough; and the cable manager may further include anindexing stop on the hinge structure for retaining the door in an openstate.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a mounting fixture system having an electronic equipment rackand a cable manager mounted on the rack. The cable manager includes atrough, defining a footprint, and a door rotatably attached along atleast one of its longitudinal edges to the trough. The door is rotatableto a fully open state without extending beyond the footprint of thetrough.

In features of this aspect, at least one side of the trough may beformed from a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardlyfrom a support member; the finger-like projections may have a U-shapedcross section; at least one of the finger-like projections may includeat least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall; at least one edge ofthe door may have a hinge structure disposed therealong for rotatableattachment to the trough; and the mounting fixture system may furtherinclude an indexing stop on the hinge structure for retaining the doorin an open state.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to still another aspectincludes a side cable guide for a cable manager having a support memberand a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardly from thesupport member. At least two of the projections include a hinge bossdisposed at an outer end thereof and extending inwardly. The hingebosses each include an inner semi-cylindrical surface, an outersemi-cylindrical barrel and an indexing groove.

In features of this aspect, the hinge bosses may be adapted to bedisposed in the hinge channel of a door such that the door may berotatably attached thereto; and the indexing groove may be configuredfor receipt of an indexing stop on the door such that the door isretainable in an open state.

In other features of this aspect, the finger-like projections may have aU-shaped cross section; at least one of the finger-like projections mayinclude at least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall; the finger-likeprojections may include T-shaped projections; adjacent finger-likeprojections, in conjunction with at least a portion of the supportmember, may define a cable ring; the cable ring may include a gap topermit cables to be inserted into the cable ring; adjacent finger-likeprojections may be spaced apart by approximately 1 RMU; the finger-likeprojections may be integral with the support member; and the hingebosses may be integral with their corresponding finger-like projections.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a mounting fixture system utilizing ahorizontal cable manager in accordance with one or more preferredembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of one of the horizontal cable managersof FIG. 1, shown in isolation;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the trough of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are end views of a trough comprised of two of the largerside cable guides and a trough comprised of two of the smaller sidecable guides, respectively;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are a fragmentary isometric view and a fragmentary sideview, respectively, of one of the hinge bosses;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the door of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the horizontal cable manager of FIG. 2, showingthe door installed on both the upper and lower hinge bosses of thetrough;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are end views of the horizontal cable manager of FIG. 9,showing the door being opened along its lower edge and rotated upwardabout the upper hinge bosses of the trough;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the horizontal cable manager of FIG. 11,showing the door in a fully open and stationary position; and

FIGS. 13 and 14 are end views of the two horizontal cable managers ofFIG. 1 with their doors in various states.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likecomponents throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention are next described. The following description ofone or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and isin no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a mounting fixture system 10 utilizing ahorizontal cable manager 30 in accordance with one or more preferredembodiments of the present invention. As shown, the system 10 includes aconventional two-post mounting rack 20 on which are mounted twohorizontal cable managers 30. The two-post mounting rack 20 includes apair of vertical support members 12,14, connected at their upper ends bya pair of upper cross-members 16 and at their lower ends by a pair oflower cross-members 18. The posts 12,14 are arranged to support avariety of electronic equipment, accessories and the like, all as iswell known.

It will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan that the arrangementillustrated in FIG. 1 may be a preferred implementation of one or moreof the horizontal cable managers described and illustrated herein.However, it will be appreciated that the horizontal cable manager of thepresent invention may be utilized with a variety of mounting fixtures,for example including mounting fixtures formed from four support poststhat may or may not be covered by panels to form an enclosure; and thatadditional mounting fixtures may be alternatively located on one or bothsides of the mounting fixture on which the cable manager 30 is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of one of the horizontal cable managers30 of FIG. 1, shown in isolation. As shown therein, the horizontal cablemanager 30 includes a trough 32, formed by a pair of side cable guides41,42, and a door 38. Each of these components will be described ingreater detail herein.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the trough 32 of FIG. 2. Each side cableguide 41,42 has a plurality of T- and L-shaped rib or finger projections63,64 extending forwardly from a horizontal support member 46. A centralpost 81,82 and two end posts 83,84 extend orthogonally from thehorizontal support member 46 toward the other cable guide 42,41.Passthrough openings 85 are defined between the posts for the purpose ofrouting cables and other wires from the interior of the trough 32through to the rear.

The two side cable guides 41,42 are generally similar to each otherexcept for the lengths of the central posts 81,82 and end posts 83,84.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper side cable guide 41is larger than the lower side cable guide 42. It will be appreciated,however, that two of the larger side cable guides 41 may be combinedtogether to make a larger trough 132, and that two of the smaller sidecable guides 42 may be combined together to make a smaller trough 232.FIGS. 4 and 5 are end views of a trough 132 comprised of two of thelarger side cable guides 41 and a trough 232 comprised of two of thesmaller side cable guides 42, respectively.

Referring again to FIG. 3, each T-shaped projection 63 includes a shaft66 and a full crosspiece 67, while each L-shaped projection 64 includesa shaft 66 and a half crosspiece 62. Each pair of adjacent T-shaped andL-shaped projections 63,64 defines a cable ring 68 formed by therespective shafts 66 and crosspieces 67 of the projections 63 and thebody of the support column 46. An opening into each cable ring 68 isprovided by a gap 69 between the ends of the crosspieces 67 of each pairof adjacent projections 63. This gap 69 permits cables to be insertedinto the ring 68 by passing them sideways through the gap 69, asdescribed further in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282 toKrietzman et al., the entirety of which is expressly incorporated hereinby reference.

As illustrated in the top row of projections 63,64 in FIG. 3, the shaft66 of each projection 63,64 utilizes a reinforced constructioncharacterized by a series of interlocking crescent-shaped reinforcementwalls or ribs 65. This geometry is designed to minimize deflection underload in the vertical, horizontal, and twist directions. The finger crosssection is U-shaped which gives the greatest strength in the verticaland horizontal direction. The interior ribs 65 are designed to minimizethe twist and to also add strength in the vertical and horizontaldirection.

The respective projections 63,64 are evenly spaced along the length ofthe horizontal support member 46 at a standardized spacing. In theembodiment shown and described, the spacing between the respectiveprojections 63,64 is equal to a single standard rack mounting unit(“RMU”) (conventionally, 1.75 inches), but it should be obvious thatother standard spacings could be used such as spacings measured inalternative units or spacings which are multiples of the RMU. By usingsuch a standard spacing, it is ensured that a cable ring 68 is disposedat, and dedicated to, each RMU along the width of a rack 20. Benefits ofthis arrangement are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282.

Furthermore, the sizes of the side cable guides 41,42 are preferablyalso selected to correspond to standardized units. In particular, thecombination of one large side cable guide 41 and one small cable guide42 that is illustrated in FIG. 3 is preferably designed to occupy 2 RMUsalong the height of a rack 20, while the combination of two large sidecable guides 41 that is illustrated in FIG. 4 is preferably designed tooccupy 3 RMUs along the height of a rack 20, and the combination of twosmall side cable guides 42 that is illustrated in FIG. 5 is preferablydesigned to occupy 1 RMU along the height of a rack 20.

In at least one embodiment, the T-shaped projections 63,64 areintegrally formed with the horizontal support member 46 and posts usingan injection molding process. In at least some aspects of the presentinvention, however, the side cable guides 42 may be constructedaccording to the teachings of commonly-assigned U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/350,216 to Garza et al., which published as U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. US 2009/0236117 A1, the entirety of which isexpressly incorporated by reference herein.

Referring again to FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that some of theT-shaped projections 63 include door attachment hinge bosses 76 disposedat the ends thereof. FIGS. 6 and 7 are a fragmentary isometric view anda fragmentary side view, respectively, of one of the hinge bosses 76.Each hinge boss 76 includes an inner semi-cylindrical surface 92 and anouter semi-cylindrical barrel 94 formed by a series of ridges 95. Anindexing groove 96 is arranged near the ends of the ridges 95. The hingeboss may be molded with the rest of the projections 63 and side cableguides 41,42.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the door 38 of FIG. 2. As shown therein, thedoor 38 includes hinge structures 75 along both longitudinal edges. Thehinge structure 75 includes two arms 77,78, defining a hinge channel 79,that may be snapped around the hinge bosses 76. The outer arm 77includes an indexing stop 97, while the inner arm 78 includes asemi-cylindrical pivot 98 adapted to be received in the innersemi-cylindrical surface 92 of the hinge boss 76.

The door 38 is mounted on the side cable guides 41,42 by snapping thehinge structure 75 onto the hinge bosses 76. FIG. 9 is an end view ofthe horizontal cable manager 30 of FIG. 2, showing the door 38 installedon both the upper and lower hinge bosses 76 of the trough 32. The door38 may then be opened along either its upper or lower edge or removedaltogether. FIGS. 10 and 11 are end views of the horizontal cablemanager 30 of FIG. 9, showing the door 38 being opened along its loweredge and rotated upward about the upper hinge bosses 76 of the trough32. As illustrated therein, the hinge boss 76 is disposed in the hingechannel 79 defined between the hinge structure arms 77,78. Thesemi-cylindrical pivot 98 rotates along the semi-cylindrical surface 92of the hinge boss 76, and the outer arm 77, which is alsosemi-cylindrical, rotates along the semi-cylindrical barrel 94 of thehinge boss 76. As the door 38 is rotated to the position shown in FIG.5, it will be appreciated that the indexing stop 97 reaches the groove96 on the hinge boss 76. When it does so, it snaps into place in thegroove 96, thereby holding the door 38 in place in that position. Theforce required to rotate the door 38 out of that position is intended tobe relatively minimal such that a user may manipulate the door 38 easilyto remain open or to be closed, as desired. FIG. 12 is an isometric viewof the horizontal cable manager 30 of FIG. 11, showing the door 38 in afully open and stationary position.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, it will be appreciated that theconcentric nature of the various elements of the hinge boss 76 and hingestructure 95 results in rotation of the door 38 within a limited space.In particular, during its rotation the door 38 moves entirely within thefootprint of the cable manager 30, illustrated by line 100. This isparticularly advantageous in installations in which equipment andaccessories are mounted close together on a rack 20 or the like in thatoperation of the door 38 of one cable manager 30 does not interfere withother equipment or accessories. This is more fully illustrated in FIGS.13 and 14, which are end views of the two horizontal cable managers 30of FIG. 1 with their doors in various states. In FIG. 13, the upper door38 is closed, and the lower door is being opened without interferingwith, or being interfered by, the upper door 38. In FIG. 13, both doors38 are open and in their stationary position without interfering witheach other. Other configurations are likewise possible.

The cable managers described above are “single-sided” cable managers inthat they include T-shaped and L-shaped projections 63,64 extending onlyin one direction, and thus comprise only one horizontal cable trough forrouting cables on either the front or back of the rack 20. However, thesame principles may likewise be applied to create a “double-sided”horizontal cable manager (not shown) that is similar to the single-sidedversion but with projections 63,64 extending both forwardly andrearwardly from horizontal support members and include doors on eachside.

Furthermore, as described herein, the invention is disclosed in ahorizontal orientation. However, it will be appreciated that all or partof the invention as described herein may be implemented in a verticalorientation. For example, it is contemplated that the cable manager asdescribed herein may be implemented for use in a vertical orientation.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable manager, comprising: (a) a trough,defining a footprint, wherein at least one side of the trough is formedfrom a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardly from asupport member, at least two of the projections including a hinge bossdisposed at an outer end thereof and extending inwardly; and (b) a door,at least one edge of which has a hinge structure disposed therealong,the hinge structure including an outer arm and an inner arm defining ahinge channel therebetween; (c) wherein the hinge bosses are disposedwithin the hinge channel such that the door is rotatably attached alongat least one of its longitudinal edges to the trough; and (d) whereinthe door is rotatable to an open state without extending beyond thefootprint of the trough.
 2. The cable manager of claim 1, wherein thefinger-like projections have a U-shaped cross section.
 3. The cablemanager of claim 2, wherein at least one of the finger-like projectionsincludes at least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall.
 4. The cablemanager of claim 1, wherein the finger-like projections include T-shapedprojections.
 5. The cable manager of claim 4, wherein adjacentfinger-like projections, in conjunction with at least a portion of thesupport member, define a cable ring.
 6. The cable manager of claim 5,wherein the cable ring includes a gap to permit cables to be insertedinto the cable ring.
 7. The cable manager of claim 4, wherein adjacentfinger-like projections are spaced apart by approximately 1 RMU.
 8. Thecable manager of claim 1, wherein the finger-like projections areintegral with the support member.
 9. The cable manager of claim 8,wherein the hinge bosses are integral with their correspondingfinger-like projections.
 10. The cable manager of claim 1, furthercomprising an indexing stop on one of the hinge boss and the hingestructure for retaining the door in an open state.
 11. The cable managerof claim 1, (a) wherein the inner arm of the hinge structure includes asemi-cylindrical pivot, and each hinge boss includes an innersemi-cylindrical surface; and (b) wherein the semi-cylindrical pivot isgenerally concentrically received against the inner semi-cylindricalsurface of the hinge bosses.
 12. The cable manager of claim 11, (a)wherein the outer arm of the hinge structure includes an innersemi-cylindrical surface, and each hinge boss further includes an outersemi-cylindrical barrel; and (b) wherein the outer semi-cylindricalbarrel of the hinge bosses is generally concentrically received againstthe inner semi-cylindrical surface of the outer arm.
 13. The cablemanager of claim 12, wherein the door is retainable in an open statewhen an indexing stop on the hinge structure reaches and snaps into anindexing groove on the hinge bosses.
 14. The cable manager of claim 1,wherein another side of the trough is formed from a plurality offinger-like projections extending forwardly from a support member. 15.The cable manager of claim 14, wherein the sides, together, define atrough height between approximately 1 RMU and approximately 3 RMU. 16.The cable manager of claim 14, wherein each of the sides defines atrough height between approximately 0.5 RMU and approximately 2 RMU. 17.The cable manager of claim 16, wherein the trough height of each of thesides is the same.
 18. The cable manager of claim 16, wherein the troughheight of one of the sides is different than the trough height ofanother of the sides.
 19. The cable manager of claim 1, wherein thetrough is formed of a first side and a second side, each of the sidesdefining a trough height between approximately 0.5 RMU and approximately2 RMU.
 20. The cable manager of claim 19, wherein the trough height ofthe first side is the same as the trough height of the second side. 21.The cable manager of claim 19, wherein the trough height of the firstside is different than the trough height of the second side.